Pramipexole Drug - How does Pramipexole Works?

Type of Drug:

Antiparkinson agent.

How the Pramipexole Product Works:

Parkinsonism is a neurological disease with a variety of origins characterized by tremor, rigidity and disorders of posture and balance. The onset is slow and progressive with symptoms advancing over months to years. There is no cure for the disease. The goal of therapy is to provide relief from the symptoms, and to attempt to maintain the independence and mobility of the patient.

It is thought that the involuntary muscle movements (shaking) of Parkinson disease are caused by reduced amounts of dopamine in the nervous system. Pramipexole may exert its effects by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the nervous system.

Uses of The Pramipexole:

To manage or treat signs and symptoms of Parkinson disease. May be used with levodopa in the later stages of the disease.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if pramipexole appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Elderly: Elderly patients have a greater tendency to develop hallucinations.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with pramipexole dihydrochloride. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be preA­scribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with pramipexole.

Butyrophenones (eg, haloperidol)

Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)

Diltiazem(eg, Cardizem)

Metoclopramide (eg, Reglan)

Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many pramipexole users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; constipation; appetite loss; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth; gas; diarrhea; vomiting; indigestion; stomach pain.

Nervous System: Dizziness; drowsiness; sleeplessness; hallucinations; confusion; amnesia; reduced skin sensations; muscle tone abnormalities; inability to sit still; thinking abnormalities; decreased sex drive; muscle twitches; movement disorders; dream abnormalities; walking abnormalities; stiffness; paranoid reaction; delusions; sleep disorders; headache; nervousness; leg cramps; tremor.

Circulatory System: Low blood pressure.

Respiratory System: Difficulty breathing; sinus infection; runny nose/ congestion; pneumonia.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Impotence; increased urination; urinary tract infection; inability to control urination.

Skin: Skin disorders; rash.

Senses: Vision abnormalities; double vision; abnormal taste.

Other: Weakness; swelling; general body discomfort; fever; decreased weight; accidental injury; chest pain; joint pain; muscle weakness; pain; back pain; fainting; depression; sore throat; sweating; flushing; flu syndrome; increased saliva; tooth disease; increased cough; allergic reaction; voice alteration.

Guidelines for Use:

Take pramipexole only as directed by your doctor.

Taking pramipexole with food may reduce nausea.

Dosage will be started low and gradually increased to achieve maxiA­mum effect. Do not change dose sooner than recommended.

Do not change the dose or discontinue unless advised to do so by your doctor.

It is recommended that pramipexole be discontinued gradually over a period of a week.

Hallucinations may occur, especially in the elderly.

Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.

Kidney disease patients may need dosage adjustments.

This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.

Caution should be used when taking other CNS depressants (eg, alcohol, sedatives) in combination with pramipexole.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

Store at controlled room temperature (59A° to 86A° F) and protect from light.